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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 HRRC MinutesEDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2001 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Lynne Westphal Greg Winter Jim Zappa Members Absent Bert Finsand Betsy Flaten Idelle Longman Staff Present Susan Heiberg Approval of Minutes. The minutes of December 19, 2000, were amended as follows: The full sentence beginning on line seven of page one was eliminated. Jim Zappa's motion to approve the minutes of December 19, 2000, as amended, was seconded by Eileen Supple; the motion carried. Vice Chair's Report. Sharon Ming, Vice Chair in the absence of Chair Flaten, reported that Commissioner Zappa had declined reappointment because of new time-consuming responsibilities. However, he has been encouraged to remain "on board" in an inactive role. This would allow a grace period for absences if necessary. Nevertheless, there is no policy for this action; as a result, Vice Chair Ming will compose a letter to Mayor Maetzold stating the wishes of the Commission that Jim Zappa be allowed to participate in a limited capacity. Nominating Committee. Eileen Supple, .Greg Winter and Sharon Ming represent the Nominating Committee and will bring to the Commission's next meeting a slate of officers for 2001. Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator. Adele Mehta, Program Administrator of Senior Community Services, had submitted her approval of the revised description for a Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator. As a result, procedure was discussed, and it was confirmed that a meeting should take place with Senior Center Advisory Board Members, Sue Weigle and members of the Commission. Greg Winter volunteered to assist, and he and Susan Heiberg will facilitate this meeting. Representatives from Fairview Southdale Hospital, the faith community and the Community Council were suggested as invitees as well. The Commission expressed hope that, if the position were to be funded, the Coordinator could be located at the new Senior Center. CDBG Fundina. After much discussion and deliberation, Greg Winter's motion to approve the following budget for 2001 CDBG funding was seconded by Carol Carmichiel: Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association 15,000.00 H.O.M. E. 9,350.00 C.A.S.H. 2,000.00 Fathers & Families 1,000.00 The motion carried. Concerns were voiced regarding the fact that there was no waiting list for children in the day care program and that funds still remained unexpended for 1999 and 2000. As a result, the Commission recommended a funding decrease for GMDCA in the amount of $2,000. Because of the lack of affordable housing, the Commission agreed to increase funding to CASH by $1000 to help with rental assistance. Coming in as a new request, Fathers & Families' amount was greater than the Commission agreed to fund; however, the Commission felt that its mission to support fathers is important and therefore chose to support the agency with the expectation of a meeting with them in the future. Community Council. Sharon Ming reported that FamiLink Edina's new coordinator, Valerie Burke, is now full time. The tax preparation season will be starting soon with assistance provided at FamiLink. There are two sources of funding available for the center: the City of Edina and LCTS revenue. Priorities for this year are fund raising and staffing. Storefront/Youth Action has dedicated a new person to help staff the center, and this person is currently being trained. Four hours of staffing have been lost due to The Bridge pulling their volunteer; therefore, the center is currently open 36 hours a week. Marketing has been addressed, and at present there is a regional effort to develop posters and magnets for distribution in the community. Letter to the School Superintendent. Appreciation was expressed for the letter prepared by Eileen Supple and Jim Zappa to the Edina School Superintendent as a follow-up to the joint meeting. The issue of free speech was discussed, and mediation was offered as a resource. Follow-up Meeting with School Board Representatives. Eileen Supple reported that she, Sharon Ming and Betsy Flaten recently met with Phyllis Kohler and Maureen Andre -Knudsen. The concept of peer mediation in the schools was discussed and how the Human Relations Commission could be of help. The idea of a student court was also mentioned, with a remark that something like that might already be in place. Next month, the Commission will discuss the assets initiative developed through a collaborative with the School District and the City and think about ways to be involved. It was agreed that the School District representatives and the Commissioners should continue to meet at regular intervals. Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition. The City Council's Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 27th, at Centennial Lakes Centrum Building. This conflicts with the Commission's regularly -scheduled meeting in March. Volunteer Recognition will be held on Tuesday, April 24th, at Edinborough Park. This conflicts with the Commission's regularly -scheduled meeting in April. As a result, alternative meeting times will be discussed at the February Commission Meeting. It was suggested that the dates remain the same and that the Commission stay on the premises to meet after each event. Commission Brochure. Brochures were shared from the cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Richfield. As well as developing a brochure for the Edina Human Relations Commission, it is also necessary to have information on the City of Edina's website. Edina's Communications Coordinator will be able to assist the Commission in the development of a brochure in the early summer. Mosaic Conference. Kathy Iverson will be invited to next month's Commission meeting to discuss the Mosaic Conference next fall and the opportunity for the Multi -Cultural Club at the High School to host this event. In the planning stages, the Commissioners might want to consider connecting with the youth in the Club to offer assistance and guidance. This could serve as a way to become involved in the community's asset initiative. Racial Profiling. The Commissioners questioned the tracking of data in the Police Department and if racial profiling is a consideration. The Commission asked how our conscience could be raised regarding goings on in this community. Adiournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Vice Chair Edina Human Relations Commission EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2001 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present Members Absent Staff Present Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Susan Heiberg Betsy Flaten Bert Finsand John Hobday Idelle Longman Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter John Hobday, a new Commissioner, was welcomed, and introductions were made all around. Approval of Minutes. Sharon Ming's motion to approve the minutes of January 23, 2001, was seconded by Idelle Longman; the motion carried. Chair's Report. Chair Flaten reported back rested and refreshed after having spent time in Texas with her new granddaughter. Slate of Officers. The Nominating Committee presented the following slate of officers: Chair, Sharon Ming 1:t Vice Chair, Greg Winter 2nd Vice Chair, Eileen Supple Tom Oye's motion to approve the slate of officers as presented was seconded by Jim Campbell; the motion carried, including Carol Carmichiel's "aye" through proxy. At this point in the meeting, Sharon Ming assumed the role of the Chair. Words of appreciation and thanks were given to outgoing Chair Flaten for a job well done. Community Council. Chair Ming handed out a Budget Narrative for FamiLink Edina for Fiscal Year July 1, 2001 -June 30, 2002. She reported that the resource center is manned 34 hours a week and that the Hub is looking for a way to improve the volunteer base so that the center can be open for 40 hours. Marketing materials are being distributed in the community, hopefully getting the word out regarding the center's activities. There is a need for developing additional revenue sources. Chair Ming reported that the Community Council agreed to fund St. David's Child Development and Family Services in the amount of $5,000 for one year. She indicated that parents of special education students in Edina had requested that St. David's provide information regarding an after-school program for youth with developmental disabilities, specifically to serve older teens who were no longer eligible for community education services. St. David's has met with staff at Edina High School, and the school has agreed to provide space for this after-school program. Chair Ming stated the need to develop a funding procedure for the Community Council, who is responsible for addressing broad community issues as well as focusing on FamiLink. AND FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION, CHAIR MING WILL DEVELOP A "MONEY TRAIL" TO HELP IN THE COMMISSION'S PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING. Diversity Initiative. As a member of the School District's Community Collaborative Council, Eileen Supple reported on "The Choice Is Yours," suburban school options for low-income Minneapolis families through West Metro Education Program (WMEP). All Minneapolis students who are eligible to receive free or reduced -price lunch may participate in the program, and students in the south section of Minneapolis may attend schools in Edina, Richfield, Hopkins and St. Louis Park, receiving free transportation to and from the suburban schools. At the present time, 45 children have applied to come to Edina from south Minneapolis; there are 70 spots available. School Administration is looking at ways to attract people to apply, and once the students are here, how to involve them and their families in the community. It would be helpful to bring them into the fold before September. Currently, SCFE is coordinating joint programs with Minneapolis to order to give parents a level of comfort. Training for school staff is essential to build an accepting climate. CDBG Funding. Planning staff re -submitted an alternative proposal for CDBG funding for the Commission's consideration, which would reduce the daycare funding by 33% from their formal proposal and take away almost $3,000 from the Commission's proposal. Greg Winter's motion to reaffirm the Commission's original proposal of 1-23-01 was seconded by Sharon Ming; the motion carried. Eileen Supple will phone GMDCA to get a sense of what will happen with their fund balance. Sharon Ming, Greg Winter and Eileen Supple agreed to meet with Planning staff to discuss the CDBG proposal to the City Council. Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator. Greg Winter reported that he had recently met with members of the Senior Center Advisory Council, Sue Weigle and David Velde regarding the acquisition of a Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator. It was an opportunity for sharing the concept and asking questions. As a result, Greg was invited to attend the April meeting of the Advisory Council to speak to the full group, and it was suggested that Adele Mehta of Senior Community Services be invited as well. This might be an opportunity to hook this project into the community's asset building initiative. Speakers at South View Middle School. The Community Resource Pool invited Commissioners to participate as speakers at South View Middle School on issues of racism and discrimination. Tom Oye and Betsy Flaten volunteered and suggested that either Geoffrey McCray or someone from ABC be included. A date and time will be confirmed. March & April Commission Meetings. Because the City Council's Annual Meeting in March and Volunteer Recognition in April fall on the same nights as the Commission meetings, the Commissioners agreed to hold these meetings at the respective locations following the events—March 27th at Centennial Lakes Centrum and April 24th at Edinborough Park—at approximately 7 PM. Greg Winter's motion that the Human Relations Commission recognize Jim Zappa at the Volunteer Recognition Reception was seconded by Sharon Ming; the motion carried. RPC Commission. It was reported that Council Member, Linda Masica, has been appointed to the RPC Commission to fill the unexpired term of Nan Faust. Additionally, Idelle Longman indicated that she is interested in being appointed to the RPC Commission, filling in for Lynne Westphal as an alternate to Linda Masica. This will be passed on to the City Council as an agenda item for approval. The Commissioners were asked what human service issues are viewed as priorities in Edina, and the following were noted: 1) affordable housing; 2) child care; and 3) transportation. These priorities will be shared at the next RPC Commission meeting. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission SM/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2001 7:00 PM - CENTENNIAL LAKES CENTRUM Members Present Members Absent Guest Present Carol Carmichiel Jim Campbell Kathy Iverson Betsy Flaten Bert Finsand John Hobday Staff Present Idelle Longman Susan Heiberg Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter Human Mosaic Project. Kathy Iverson, Chemical Health Coordinator for the City of Edina, was welcomed. She reported that Edina High School will be the host for the Human Mosaic Project to be held in the fall of 2001. The Project is an opportunity to bring Classic Lake schools together to focus on issues of diversity awareness, and it is all about student participation. Judith Gandy, the advisor of the Multi -Cultural Club at the High School, will be overseeing the planning for the event. When this was hosted by Armstrong High School, a 30 -minute video was developed by their Multi -Cultural leadership Group, and the Commission had a chance to view it a while ago. At the event in the fall, ten schools will participate, each with ten students plus one advisor per school. It has been suggested that a good location would be Christ Presbyterian Church or St. Patrick's, as the event will be large and broken up into small groups. Larry Fuglesten, Director of Planning at the School District, is currently making arrangements for the speaker—a Hmong gentleman. It was suggested that copies of the Armstrong video on diversity be made, if permissible, and shown to students and staff, with follow-up questions developed by the Multi -Cultural Club. Additionally, the video could be shared with the faith community. John Hobday, Carol Carmichiel and Betsy Flaten indicated that they would be willing to connect with the Multi - Cultural Club and Judith regarding the Project. Approval of Minutes. Eileen Supple's motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2001, was seconded by Sharon Ming; the motion carried. Community Council. Sharon Ming distributed the FamiLink Edina Summary Activity Report for 2000. She shared that the decline in numbers -932 clients served in 2000 as compared to 1140 in 1999—is not a cause for concern because more time is being spent with the clients. Nancy Atchison's at -large appointment will expire on July 15+, and the Commission was asked to think about replacing her. Community Collaborative Council of the School District. Eileen Supple reported that Larry Fuglesten will be submitting priorities for strategic planning to the Diversity Initiative Group. She will recommend that the Armstrong video be viewed at the next meeting of the Council. Greg Winter offered to make copies of the video if permission is granted. Community Development Block Grant Update. Sharon Ming reported that she, Eileen Supple and Greg Winter met with Planning staff to discuss the process for the Commission's input regarding the CDBG proposed budget. The budget proposed by the Commission was presented by Planning staff to the City Council, and it was approved. It was agreed that the Commission would have a meeting with staff next fall to improve communication and begin an earlier discussion regarding perceived needs and funding expectations. RPC Commission. Idelle Longman reported that at the recent meeting of the Research, Planning and Coordination (RPC) Commission of the Hennepin South Services Collaborative (HSSC), the four cities were asked to come back having identified specific human service needs and gaps in services. The Commission gave its input: transportation, affordable housing and childcare. However, it was recommended that the most important thing to tackle would be an update of the original demographics study, utilizing census data. Volunteer Recognition Reception. The Commission agreed that Jim Zappa would be recognized at the event on April 24th for his dedicated service. Because this reception occurs on the same night as the April Commission meeting, the Commission will meet right afterwards, at 7 PM in a designated spot at Edinborough Park. Annual Planning. Sharon Ming distributed a summary of human services funding in the City of Edina. A question was proposed to the Commissioners: "Do you want to set up funding priorities for the future?" It was agreed to establish goals at the next meeting—looking at the mission of the Commission and vision of the City in every case. It was noted that West Suburban Mediation Center is going out of business and that they will return a portion of its City's 2001 funding. Student Participation. Betsy Flaten will connect with Kathy Iverson and Judith Gandy to see if they would have a recommendation for a student(s) to participate on the Commission. Adiournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Human Relations Commission SM/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2001 7:00 PM - EDINBOROUGH PARK Members Present John Hobday Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter Members Absent Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Bert Finsand Betsy Flaten Idelle Longman Due to the fact that there was not a quorum, the minutes for the meeting of March 27, 2001, will be approved at the May Commission meeting. Eileen Supple agreed to take the minutes for this meeting, as the staff liaison was absent. Community Council. Sharon Ming reported that FamiLink Support Services is operating at a deficit. At the last Council meeting, Lieutenant Ken Kane shared that the Edina Police Department receives 200 calls in a year from Yorkdale Townhomes. He indicated that the Police are considering having a part-time officer there and planning to form a group to get to know the people who live there. Community Collaboration Council of the School District. Eileen Supple reported that the Council met on April 16th to review the draft of the report to go before the Diversity Initiative Group. She indicated that she would be checking to see whether athletic organizations have been informed and are readied for The Choice is Yours (WMEP). Racism Panel at South View Middle School. Tom Oye reported that he, Betsy Flaten and Judith Gandy made up a panel who visited a 9th grade class at South View on April 12th to discuss issues of racism and discrimination. Judith did some role-playing with the students about stereotypes. Tom indicated that there was insufficient time for them to cover all the questions which had been presented to them; however, the teacher said that she felt it was a successful event. Commission Brochure. This will be carried over to the next meeting. Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator. Greg Winter will be meeting with the Senior Advisory Committee at 8 AM on April 25th to present the Commission's proposed Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator position. It will an opportunity to share the concept and to find out if their group would be behind the proposal and thus encourage pursuing it further. Eileen Supple and Sharon Ming will accompany Greg to this meeting. Annual Planning/Budget. Regarding the RFP guidelines sent to providers, it was suggested that the question be added regarding how many Edina residents were served successfully. Chair Ming shared the breakdown of human services funding by the City of Edina: 51% for family ($49,000 to Familink Edina); 26% for seniors; and 23% for children. It was pointed out that Edina has a large population of seniors and that children are our future; therefore, emphasis and consideration are worthy in both areas. Commission Business. Chair Ming reported that she and Bert Finsand had a conversation regarding attendance and his interest in remaining on the Commission. She indicated that she encouraged him to talk to Mayor Maetzold. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2001 7:00 PM - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Members Absent Staff Present Jim Campbell Tom Oye Susan Heiberg Carol Carmichiel Bert Finsand Betsy Flaten John Hobday Idelle Longman Sharon Ming Eileen Supple Greg Winter Approval of Minutes The minutes of March 27th, 2001, were amended to include Betsy Flaten's name in the first paragraph regarding the connection with the Multi -Cultural Club and the Human Mosaic Project. Greg Winter's motion to approve the amended minutes of March 27, 2001, and the minutes of April 24, 2001, was seconded by Bert Finsand; the motion carried. Community Council Chair Ming distributed FamiLink Edina material—the Summary Activity Report for April 2001. To date, 363 clients have been served -97 in April. Of the 97, 93 were new clients and four were repeat clients. At least one follow-up was provided to 67% of the clients served. In April, the greatest number of calls came in for situations regarding taxes, senior services, education and mental/chemical health. The Commission noted the names of people who volunteer to staff the Center and their monthly hours; two are from the City of Edina, one from Hennepin County, one from Bloomington Public Health, one from Fairview Southdale Hospital, and one from The Storefront Group. Community Collaboration Council of the School District Eileen Supple reported that the goals of the work plan had been approved— encompassing the efforts of The Choice is Yours program to work with the community to welcome new students and to support diversity. There are ten objectives in the plan which will be available at each of the school buildings. The area of "Community Relations" is where the Human Relations Commission could fit in. Approximately 40 students have registered for The Choice is Yours program. The work plan will be made available to the Commissioners. Annual Planning/Budget Discussion The Commissioners shared their ideas for ways to change the process for 2003 funding consideration. The following comments/questions were noted: The housing issues is not well addressed. Do we need to spend all of the human services money? How do we really know if the providers are doing their job? There is not a lot of money to work with. We should have a goal statement in order to divide the total amount into percentages. What are we trying to do with the money? - What about grant writing? There are increasing needs with no increasing available money. Look at the City's effort to provide services to those on the fringe. Look at a future initiative and banking money toward it. - Should we make some hard decisions and commitments to go after money? - Seniors, school-age children and families are three areas of priority. Chair Ming asked the Commissioners to do their homework when they receive the proposals in the mail. In August when the developed budget proposal is presented to the Council, the Commission will make reference to the three areas of priority and how the proposed funding can be applied to meet the demonstrated needs. The process will remain the same this year for determining the proposed budget for the Council's consideration, with the hearing set for July 24th and the meeting to develop a proposed budget on July 31:t. The Resource Center for Fathers and Families will be given an opportunity to participate in the process. Assignments for follow up with particular providers will be made at the beginning of the June Commission meeting. Senior Neighborhood Coordinator Greg Winter reported that he, Sharon Ming and Eileen Supple met with the Senior Advisory Council regarding the proposed Senior Neighborhood Coordinator. They were asked to come back in six months, and perhaps the issue of space at the new Senior Center could be discussed if the position is looked at favorably and deemed vital for the quality of the lives of the frail elderly. Staff mentioned that the City would be meeting with a representative from the Normandale Ministry for Healing and Wholeness in July to learn about their program which seeks to meet the needs of the elderly through volunteers providing services on a team basis. Greg, Jim Campbell and John Hobday agreed to meet with the City Manager to discuss ways to proceed. Commission Brochure Jennifer Wilkinson, Communications Coordinator for the City, is currently reviewing brochures collected from other cities. Eileen Supple and Carol Carmichiel will arrange to meet with her to discuss options for a new brochure for the Commission. RPC Work Plan Staff reported that the RPC Commission is developing its work plan with the aid of the four cities compiling project/study priorities within five pre -determined areas of concern/interest of the four cities. The five areas are: demographics study update, affordable housing, transportation, working poor and emergency services. The Commissioners were asked to respond by identifying ideas for study under any of the five areas. Community of Nations Proiect Chair Ming passed out information regarding the Community of Nations Project which has been designed to be a bridge to assist new immigrants, identify and engage grassroots community leadership and facilitate systems change. The mission would be accomplished through a multicultural team of bi-lingual cultural liaisons. The Commission will have the opportunity to study this project in consideration of 2002 funding. Letter from Henry Hyatt The letter from Henry Hyatt to Nancy Atchison was shared regarding Oak Glen Apartments and Section 8 rental assistance. Mr. Hyatt stated that "state and local assistance will be required in order to achieve the preservation of this affordable housing resource." It is an economic issue, and he suggested that the Commissioners contact HUD and the state with their concerns. Agenda for Next Meeting At the June 26th Commission Meeting, the proposals for 2002 funding will be reviewed along with any committee updates brought forward. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission SM/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2001 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present Bert Finsand John Hobday Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter Members Absent Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Idelle Longman Staff Present Susan Heiberg Approval of Minutes Eileen Supple's motion to approve the minutes of May 22, 2001, was seconded by John Hobday; the motion carried. FamiLink Edina Chair Ming reported that in the month of May there were 116 calls to FamiLink Edina. 101 of these calls represented new clients. Staffing information was shared as to the number of hours individuals worked at the Center. HSSC Transition Chair Ming shared that Ross Thorfinnson, a former Eden Prairie Council Member, had been hired by the Board of HSSC to develop a transition plan for the collaborative, which turned out to be a consolidation of the four resource centers into a new model for the purpose of continuing the same work under a collaborative roof. The Commission will seek to meet with Ross to hear his presentation. Commission Brochure Eileen Supple met with Jennifer Wilkinson, the City's Communications Coordinator, to look at options for the development of a Commission brochure. Jennifer will provide an outline which will be reviewed by the Commission at the September meeting. Normandale Ministry for Healing and Wholeness Greg Winter reported that Jean Sigford, the Executive Director for the Normandale Ministry for Healing and Wholeness, is meeting with Gordon Hughes in July. Its mission pertains to the very issues that would be identified by a Senior Neighborhood Coordinator, a position being proposed by the Commission—to assure that seniors have available consistent and varied services that assist and support them in aging successfully and independently. Senior Neighborhood Coordinator Greg Winter reported that he, John Hobday and Jim Campbell recently met with Gordon Hughes to discuss a process for proposing a Senior Neighborhood Coordinator position. It was suggested that the Commission present the concept to the City Council Members at their June 19th meeting , explaining that the position would involve an evaluation phase to assess what is being done in Edina and how to help isolated seniors. At the Council Meeting, the Members expressed interest in the concept. To go forward, the cost needs to be determined and approved for hiring an independent consultant to do the year's assessment phase. The Edina Community Foundation, the Edina Community Council and Rotary were identified as possible sources for funding. It was suggested that Greg contact Jeanne Massey for recommendations regarding a consultant. Assignments for Funding Proposals The Commissioners agreed to be assigned to providers for the purpose of fielding questions to them and retrieving answers before the hearing takes place on July 24th. The following assignments were made: The Storefront Group Senior Community Services Cornerstone VEAP Women in Transition The Bridge Family & Children's Service Resource Center for Fathers and Families Community of Nations Sharon Ming Greg Winter Eileen Supple Tom Oye Carol Carmichiel Bert Finsand Jim Campbell John Hobday Sharon Ming Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission SM/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION HEARING FOR 2003 FUNDING TUESDAY, JULY 24th, 2001 4:30 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Bert Finsand Betsy Flaten John Hobday Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter Member Absent Idelle Longman Staff Absent Susan Heiberg The Storefront Group - Beth Fagin • Requesting $33,500 (2001 funding is $33,500) Storefront provides prevention, intervention and treatment programs for youth and their families. Specifically, the Youth Counseling Program assigns youth to counselors who meet with them and their parents through solution -oriented family counseling. The goal is to increase pro -social skills and strengths and to decrease or eliminate negative behaviors or barriers for success. In 2000, the Youth Counseling Program served 717 Edina residents. Senior Community Services - Ron Bloch & Shoma Hawkins • Requesting $24,097 (2001 funding is $15,600) Senior Community Services identifies, develops, coordinates and provides services that help meet the needs of people 55 and older. The Senior Outreach Program assists vulnerable adults to remain independent in the community and assists them and their families in securing and monitoring needed services, including counseling for issues such as financial concerns, housing changes, medical insurance, grief and depression. There were 474 Edina residents served by the Senior Outreach Program in 2000. Cornerstone - Rick Huber • Requesting $5,100 for advocacy and $10,000 for intervention (2001 funding is $15,100 combined) Cornerstone provides advocacy for victims of domestic abuse. Victims and their children are helped to overcome the barriers they encounter in their struggle to live violence -free lives. Through short-term safe housing, Cornerstone provides shelters and meals for two to three days for persons in imminent danger of domestic assault. Their 24-hour Help Line provides immediate access to emergency services. In 2000, Cornerstone served 250 Edina residents with 1,152 hours of direct service. Cornerstone's Intervention Program works within the Criminal Court arena to make sure that people who assault their partners are held accountable by entering a guilty plea to the domestic assault. The Program supports the victim throughout the entire process to help her/him with safety issues, "hear" what type of treatment program would work best in each specific case, and work towards a satisfactory disposition to each case. When the abuser is involved in a treatment program or serving a sentence in the workhouse, the victim is encouraged to come into Cornerstone and attend a support group and access services for the children in the home. Cornerstone's Criminal Justice System utilizes a 24-hour crisis line and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for Police referrals and victim support services. In 2000, the Intervention Program served 60 Edina residents with 308 hours of direct service. VEAP - Susan Freeman & Karen Vonick • Requesting $15,000 (2001 funding is $12,350) VEAP helps individuals who cannot financially, physically or emotionally provide for their own well-being in the following ways: back -to -school supplies, emergency financial assistance, food shelves, vouchers, furniture, holiday meals and transportation. VEAP serves residents who are low-income, disabled or elderly, with a focus on the ongoing effects of poverty, the problems of hunger and isolation. It has noted that the senior population continues to grow, the need for affordable housing is at an all- time high as are utilities and fuel prices, and more and more families are experiencing loss of jobs or layoffs due to corporate downsizing. In 2000, 2,252 services were provided to Edina residents, the majority of whom are elderly, single or women. Resource Center for Father & Families - Arnie Engelby • Requesting $15,000 (not funded in 2001) The mission of the Center is to provide resources that will help men become better parents and better parenting partners regardless of marital status, to prevent violence and to provide the model that all children deserve. It vision is children with both fathers and mothers active in their lives as parents and as partners in parenting. The Center's programs are designed to create and enhance the role of fathers in full parenthood and full partnership in parenting their children. Programs and services include: anger management courses, support groups for fathers, informational family law seminars, parenting classes, step parenting course, a relationship course and fathers' crisis line. As of June 30, 2001, the Center is serving 50 Edina residents. Community of Nations - Val Burke • Requesting $10,000 (not funded in 2001) This project is focused on creating a coordinated, responsive system of community supports and opportunities for local immigrant groups with a goal to ensure that immigrants become an integral part of the community while supporting their cultural and ethnic traditions and values. Adopting this model for a four -city regional wide approach, Community of Nations will utilize a multi -cultural team of bilingual cultural liaisons to: directly assist immigrant families in accessing and using community resources; coach and train local community institutions to respond more effectively to immigrant needs; identify on-going and emerging gaps and barriers in immigrant services; create stronger community links with local immigrant communities and their leaders; use proven strategies to identify, develop and strengthen grassroots leadership within local immigrant communities; promote community awareness of emergent immigrant groups; and enhance the natural support systems within immigrant communities, supporting local activities that raise awareness and celebrate immigrant cultures. Essentially, the cultural liaisons will serve not just local immigrant families but all the agencies, schools, businesses and municipalities as they help immigrants access their services. Family & Children's Service - Roger Grusznski • Requesting $7,000 (2000 funding is $2,200) The Service assists families and individuals to develop the capacity and opportunity to lead self-sufficient and socially -meaningfully lives and prevents/restructures the disorganization of those families where personal or social handicaps threaten positive family functioning. Mental health issues are addressed, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and adjustment disorders. The organization primarily serves minorities and people with incomes below $20,000. In 2000, 43 Edina residents received 214 hours of direct service. Women in Transition - Lonna Szczesny • Requesting $6,276 (2000 funding is $2,800) The Women in Transition Program provides specialized career development and employment services to low-income women in crisis, enabling them to secure stable employment to support themselves and their families. Their services are provided on a sliding fee based on the participant's current income and ability to pay. Through this program, women establish realistic goals based on skills, aptitudes and interests. As a prevention program, it equips people not eligible for welfare or other programs and is in collaboration with the Colonial Counseling Center of Edina. In 2000, the City of Edina's funding provided full services to three Edina women and additionally served 15 women who were Edina residents. The Bridge - Ed Murphy 0 Requesting $2,500 (2000 funding is $1,950) The mission of The Bridge is to provide youth with safe shelter, assist in the resolution of family conflicts and reunite families whenever possible. Through comprehensive prevention and early intervention services, including street outreach, 24-hour telephone and walk-in counseling, emergency therapeutic shelter, family counseling, outreach and aftercare, The Bridge's program helps to prevent youth homelessness, reduce family violence and strengthen family relationships. As an emergency services program, The Bridge served 25 Edina residents in 2000. Members Present Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Idelle Longman Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 7:00 PM - LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOM Members Absent Bert Finsand John Hobday Guest Jean Sigford Staff Susan Heiberg The Normandale Ministry for Healing and Wholeness Jean Sigford, Executive Director, was introduced and welcomed. She explained that the Ministry began in 1997 as a collaborative effort among Normandale Lutheran Church, Lutheran Brotherhood, Lutheran Social Services and Fairview Health Service. It was initially designed to support parish elders and their caregivers by combining programs that minister to spirit, mind and body through holistic and preventive activities. In 2000, the Ministry was incorporated as an independent, charitable organization and is expanding to meet the needs of elders in the community -at -large in partnership with other community stakeholders. Although founded at Normandale Church, it is now a separate entity and not connected with any religious or evangelistic purposes. Spiritual components of any of the services provided acknowledge and respect each person's own belief system and/or religious orientation. The Care Team Ministry responds to the non-medical needs of people not routinely provided by existing social service programs. Care teams, staffed by 70 volunteers, provide the following services in the home: friendship, shopping, errands, transportation, and respite relief for caregivers. Services not provided would be personal care and lifting of people. Under the program, identification of a need may come from various sources, such as lay team leaders, pastors, elders themselves, and social workers. Once the need is identified, the program director and volunteer coordinator match volunteers with the individual to meet ongoing needs. The volunteers provide services on a team basis so that the elder gets to know and receives support from a few, consistent volunteers. Funding comes from Normandale Church, the Normandale Foundation, and individual donations and grants. Approval of Minutes The minutes of June 26, 2001, were amended as follows: In the first sentence of the "Senior Neighborhood Coordinator" paragraph, Jim Campbell's name should be added. The minutes of July 31, 2001, were amended as follows: The last sentence of the first paragraph was changed to read—"There was much discussion about each proposal and where past funding has been allocated versus what the Commission could do this year." And the third paragraph was changed to read—"the motion carred." Betsy Flaten's motion to approve the minutes of June 26, 2001, and July 31, 2001, as amended was seconded by Eileen Supple; the motion carried. Budget Hearing Chair Ming presented the Commission's proposed 2002 human services budget to the City Council. After discussion regarding the proposed funding for FamiLink Edina, the City Council invited the Commission to come back to a regular Council Meeting for further discussion before year-end approval of the entire City's budget. HSSC Update Hennepin South Services Collaborative (HSSC) has contracted with two planners to begin updating the demographic study for the South Hennepin region. The source for data will be the 2000 Census, and the study will include trends, projections and policy implications for the next decade. The process will include a thorough assessment of the needs and resources in South Hennepin to prepare for strategic planning. The Choice is Yours Program Eileen Supple reported that she and Betsy Flaten recently attended a meeting of the Community Collaboration Council of the School District. Currently, there are 49 children from the south section of Minneapolis enrolled in Edina schools, with most of them in kindergarten, sixth and seventh grades. A chart is being developed which will show how many students are attending schools in Hopkins, Richfield and St. Louis Park as well. Each school in Edina will submit a plan demonstrating how the available dollars are being used in the Program; the diversity plan from Creek Valley has already been examined. Apparently, transportation needs have resolved throughout the area. At the present time, teacher training is underway. Larry Fuglesten has asked to meet with the Commission in October to talk about the action plan. Commission Brochure The Commissioners reviewed the draft brochure and discussed its content and what it communicates. At the November meeting, other communities' brochures will again be reviewed, and the verbiage of the draft will be considered as to what the brochure should accomplish. Oak Glen Staff reported that Section 8 Housing has been granted a 90 - day extension by MHFA through February 28, 2002. Henry Hyatt has submitted the market survey, and it will be reviewed by MHFA to determine fair rental values for Section 8. Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan The Commissioners agreed that they should meet with the Police Chief regarding the Response Plan currently in place. Idelle Longman, Carol Carmichiel, Betsy Flaten and Eileen Supple indicated they would contact the Chief and the Mayor and begin a discussion. It was suggested that a press release be prepared for the Sun Current regarding the mission of the Human Relations Commission and support given to victims of harassment. Chemical Health Coordinator Position at the High School The Storefront Group will be using their 2002 funding from the City to continue using Sheila Kosek as a counselor in the office and in the High School. At the November meeting, the Commissioners will meet with Beth Fagin, Kathy Iverson, and Chris Lindholm, Dean of Students at the High School. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission SM/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2001 7:00 PM - COUNCIL ROOM Members Present Members Absent Guest Jim Campbell Betsy Flaten Larry Fuglesten Carol Carmichiel John Hobday Bert Finsand Staff Idelle Longman Susan Heiberg Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter "The Choice Is Yours" Program Larry Fuglesten, the School District's Director of Planning, was welcomed. He shared that two years ago the School District established a District -wide strategy on diversity and a Community Collaboration Council as advisement. This was a response to the voluntary desegregation program established as a result of the NAACP lawsuit again the State. Through the West Metro Education Program, "The Choice Is Yours" was created to provide low-income students from Minneapolis public schools greater access to suburban school districts through the open -enrollment option. The program is different from the open -enrollment option because State -funded transportation is provided for eligible students. All Minneapolis students who are eligible to receive free or reduced -price lunch are eligible to participate in the program. 500 students living in the south section of Minneapolis can attend the following districts: Edina, Hopkins, Richfield and St. Louis Park. Edina can take up to 70 students, and 51 are currently enrolled—the majority in the middle schools, with Southview having the highest enrollment. Larry indicated that the Human Relations Commission could be instrumental in looking at ways of welcoming and supporting new families in the community. The School District is involved in staff development, providing workshops on diversity, and money has been allocated for school diversity plans with a needs assessment. At this time, four out of ten schools have submitted their plans. Curriculum writing and resources are being developed, and multi -cultural literature is being made available. Money has been allocated for scholarships for free and reduced -fee lunch. Computers are being loaned to secondary students in the program. The Commission questioned how the students are doing, how the school climate has affected them, and how to support the families without making it a big issue. Perhaps the students themselves should be asked how they would like to see the community react. The Commission suggested that the School District work with the Edina Library, the faith community and the senior citizens to address ways to communicate and connect with the families and make them feel welcome in the community. Approval of Minutes Tom Oye's motion to approve the minutes of October 23, 2001, was seconded by Eileen Supple; the motion carried. Commission Brochure The Commission examined the various samples of brochures from Eden Prairie, Bloomington and Richfield. It was agreed that the wording for the draft brochure for the Commission needs to be reviewed. Eden Prairie's brochure was admired, and it was noted that it was not just directed toward people with problems. The Commission questioned the reason for having a brochure and whether or not to include information about the annual funding process. It was agreed that the brochure needs to include belief statements and information about Edina's vision for diversity. The value of including contact information was questioned. Eileen Supple and Carol Carmichiel will continue to work on the brochure and bring it back to the Commission. Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan Eileen Supple was commended for the excellent article in the Sun -Current on October 10th regarding the Commission's mission and the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan. In light of an unfortunate discriminatory incident which occurred after September 11th, Eileen, Carol Carmichiel and Idelle Longman met with Chief Siitari to talk about the incident which was a racial threat at the Valley View Superette. He recently visited the store and told the employees to call the Police if it happened again. He indicated that he would be calling the State to see if there are any reported hate crimes according to their coding. In order to update the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan, input is necessary from the Mayor, the Chief and someone at the School District. This will be addressed at the next Commission meeting. FamiLink Sharon Ming shared the memo sent to the Mayor and Council Members regarding Edina FamiLink and the 2002 City budget. It recommended that the City continue to fund the Center until HSSC's newly -created regional center demonstrates that it can successfully handle the workload and perform at the same level as the local Center. In addition, it indicated that there are significant gaps between services HSSC has proposed to provide and services Edina FamiLink is presently providing. Sharon will go before the City Council for the second time on November 5th to seek their support. No -Fault Grievance Tom Oye reported that he recently met with an individual who had gone to the State with a grievance but was told to resolve it at the local level. The grievant had responded to a newspaper employment ad and ended up in salary negotiations, agreeing to $9.00 per hour instead of $13.25. Thereafter, he was called and told that the offer had been rescinded. He called the manager and learned that because he had previously missed an appointment and had threatened to sue them, he was not being considered at that time. The grievant told Tom that the remedy he is seeking is a full-time job. Tom talked to the manager and headquarters, and the grievant was subsequently called by headquarters, stating that the rejection stands without a specific reason. It is now up to the grievant as to what to do next. Next Meetina At the November meeting, the possibility of a Commission retreat will be discussed. Other items include a discussion with Kathy Iverson regarding chemical health, a report from Joyce Repya concerning CDBG funding, and establishing a nominating committee. Due to the holidays, the December meeting will be on Tuesday, December 18th. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission SM/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2001 7:00 PM - COUNCIL ROOM Members Present Members Absent Guest Bert Finsand Jim Campbell Kathy Iverson Sharon Ming Carol Carmichiel Idelle Longman Betsy Flaten Staff Tom Oye Eileen Supple Susan Heiberg Greg Winter Kathy Iverson, Chemical Health Coordinator for the City of Edina, was welcomed. Doug Eischens—High School social worker—and Beth Fagin— The Storefront Group Program Coordinator—were unable to join Kathy. Kathy reported that the City's funding of Storefront provides services for Edina families through Sheila Kosek at the High School. Since June, 31 691's have occurred, whereby the Police Department files reports regarding juvenile possession and consumption, and then follow-ups are conducted to assure that appropriate services for the youth are rendered. Doug has been involved in the processing of these incidents, and it has been a tedious activity. A quicker turnaround is needed when violations occur. Six of the students have gone into treatment, and four have been referred to Sheila at the Storefront office. Apparently, Sheila works one and three/fourths days each week at the High School, and if time permits she will also run a group for blended families and another for anger management. The 691's are received by the Assistant Principal and sent on to appropriate people; i.e. Steve Dove of the Athletic Department meets individually with athletes who have been cited, and he directs them into community service activities. The ACT Team meets at the High School to discuss the students in violation; as a result, Doug calls the parents and asks for permission to meet with their children. He then gets the history and makes an assessment, with the information interpreted and referred to the school counselor. If there is a legitimate concern, the parents are called in and referrals are made. The students themselves are asked to participate in the meetings in order to create a team of support. There is a need for greater follow-up through an advocate; however, funding is an issue. The school is currently evaluating the service model and may ask others to come to the table to look at it as well. The critical issue is the support that families need through the process. Additionally, a woman is needed at the High School to work with the female population. FamiLink is a possible tool for follow-up. The Storefront Group could introduce itself to the ACT Team, and Beth could talk to the social workers at the High School. Community Collaborative Council of the High School Kathy Iverson reported that money is available for school sites' diversity plans through the "Choice Is Yours" Program. January 21St will be an in-service day for the District around diversity issues, and the community will be invited to attend. Transportation and extra -curricular activities are big concerns with the Program. Unfortunately, the community has not been involved in facilitation. Students from Minneapolis coming into the Program are way behind in reading and math skills for their grade levels. Each of the students in the Program has a computer at home with access to the Internet. The Challenge Day is upcoming, with 100 students from the High School going to Washburn. This will be an opportunity for them to see others on an individual basis, and it will be a way to break down barriers. Approval of Minutes Tom Oye's motion to approve the minutes of October 23, 2001, was seconded by Bert Finsand; the motion carried. CDBG Funding Sharon Ming confirmed with the Greater Minneapolis Daycare Association that the reason for the expenditure balance is to save money for the families on the waiting list. The County had a roll-over from the previous year with new and re -allocated dollars. The 2001 dollars must be used by July of 2002, and there is no concern about meeting this timeliness. It is possible that there will be cuts for daycare at the State level. Sharon reported that the Home Program was able to get additional funds for this year. Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan When a bias crime occurs, it is good to have something in place before jumping into action to respond to and support the victims. Prevention and education would be a separate plan. The Plan, which was approved by the City Council in May of 1997, needs to be reviewed and evaluated. It must be updated annually to keep it at the fore -front of the Police Department and the City Council. A plan for action will be discussed at the next Commission Meeting. Nominating Committee Preparations are necessary for a slate of officers to be presented at the January Commission Meeting. Idelle Longman, Jim Campbell and Betsy Flaten will serve on the Nominating Committee and will begin considering appointments and reappointments. FamiLink The City Council recently approved $31,610 for the 2002 funding of FamiLink Edina. The Council also indicated the intent for Edina to withdraw from HSSC—effective in 2003—subject to the School District doing the same. At the December School Board meeting, the issue will be addressed. The Edina Community Council is dedicated to do the hard work to make things come together for the continuation of a local resource center. Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator When the proposed budget is approved for 2002, the project identified by the Commission for a Senior Outreach Neighborhood Coordinator could be integrated with FamiLink. Additional information from The Normandale Ministry for Healing and Wholeness will be sent to the Commissioners. Next Meeting Due to the holidays, the next meeting of the Edina Human Relations Commission will be held on Tuesday, December 18th, at 7:00 PM in the Lower Level Meeting Room of Edina City Hall. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission SM/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2001 8:00 PM — LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOM Members Present Members Absent Staff Jim Campbell Bert Finsand Susan Heiberg Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Idelle Longman Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Greg Winter Approval of Minutes Greg Winter's motion to approve the minutes of November 27, 2001, was seconded by Tom Oye; the motion carried. Nominating Committee The Committee, consisting of Jim Campbell, Betsy Flaten and Idelle Longman, will present a slate of officers at the January Commission Meeting. Annual Planning Sharon presented items for discussion and consideration in the development of the work schedule for the coming year: 1) an events calendar consisting of things which typically take place in specific months; 2) items from committees and projects for ongoing review; 3) project possibilities; and 4) relationships with people and organizations. Items added to the events calendar were: in January, evaluate the previous year; in February, look at annual planning and process priorities for the coming year; and in May, meet with the FamiLink Edina Coordinator and the RPC Manager. Bias/hate crime training for Police officers was added to the projects for ongoing review. Project possibilities added were: identify leaders in the community; sustain relationships through outreach efforts; review budget allocation process; and review the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan. Additional relationships to foster were identified: Connecting With Kids; Police Chaplains through the faith community; other Human Rights Commissions; and the Chamber of Commerce. The Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan was discussed, and it was agreed that this plan should be kept current and ready to go and that training of officers is important. Having met with the Police Chief, Idelle reported that it would be helpful to have an up-to-date leadership list for the City of Edina in place. Additionally, the Commission minutes could be sent to Mort Ryweck, the State Project Coordinator of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions and the Compact Against Hate Coalition. Mort has suggested the following to the Commission: co- sponsor events with others, as in a round -table; keep emergency plan up- to-date; invite Muslims for holiday events; use Mort for resource material; provide City-wide speakers; provide training to prevent "scapegoating"; provide training for reporting hate crimes; ask other cities what they are doing; look at FBI procedures; invite speakers from the Sikh community; and keep communication current. CDBG A written report on CDBG from Joyce Repya, Associate Planner, was discussed. She indicated that "at the present time there is no way to know how large the City's 2002 CDBG allotment will be. It is fair to assume that GMDCA, CASH and HOME will again request support at levels consistent with previous years. When the time comes to review each agency's respective requests, it will be important to consider the timeliness of their expenditure of funds as outlined by HUD and Hennepin County." The CDBG budget will be presented for study at the January Commission meeting. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM Respectfully submitted, Sharon Ming, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission SM/sh